Western Australia's tourism minister says federal regulators need to make sure aviation tourism operators are following the law, after the family of a 12-year-old girl killed in a helicopter crash in Broome called for drastic changes.
Amber Jess Millar died three years ago when a helicopter being flown by a well-known local tourism operator crashed moments after taking off, after the aircraft broke up mid-air.
The pilot, 40-year-old Troy Thomas, was also killed, while a woman in her 20s and another 12-year-old child were critically injured.
An Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report released on Wednesday found Mr Thomas was not legally authorised to fly the helicopter, had previously demonstrated acts of non-compliance with multiple aviation safety regulations, and operated the crashed aircraft in a manner that increased the risk of damage on multiple occasions.
'Greater oversight' needed, Cook says
Tourism Minister Roger Cook, who met with Amber's family earlier this week, described her death as "incredibly heartbreaking".
"I will continue to have that conversation about how we can help them [Amber's parents] communicate their concerns to the federal government and how we can continue to support their mission, which is to make sure that there's greater oversight," he said.
Mr Cook said while the state government did not have any legal power over the aviation industry, he urged the federal government to respond to the ATSB's report "and to make sure that no family should go through this experience".
"We will continue to monitor the situation and take advice in relation to what steps that we should be taking as a state government," he said.
CASA advice on pilots questioned
In statements to the ABC earlier this week, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) said all aviation tourism operators must hold an air operator's certificate — something it is understood Mr Thomas did not.
"Commercial aviation operations are strictly monitored by CASA including through ongoing oversight, surveillance and audits," a spokesperson said.
"We encourage people to always check pilots are appropriately licensed and qualified to fly and to report any safety concerns they may have to CASA or the Australian Transport Safety Bureau."
But Mr Cook said Amber had "every reason to believe" the pilot was appropriately licensed and that the helicopter was properly maintained.
"People do this every day. They're not expected to interview the pilot upon getting on either a large commercial flight or a small commercial flight. It makes no difference.
"CASA have to be able to make sure that it is safe for people when they step onto an aircraft.
"If you hire an electrician, you expect the electrician to be licensed. If you hire a plumber, you expect that plumber to be licensed. If you go see your doctor, you expect them to be safe and to be trained and to be licensed to undertake the procedures they do.
"It should be no different for the aviation industry."
WorkSafe investigation unlikely
Amber's parents had also been asking for a WorkSafe investigation, but Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston said that was unlikely to happen.
"It's not possible for the state regulator to do an investigation that's already been done by the Commonwealth," he said.
"We do urge the Commonwealth to examine all of its responsibilities carefully."
